subject: Vacation Rentals A Different Animal! [print this page] Travel much? Have you considered staying in vacation rentals?
You may be a vacation rental veteran or you may be a newbie. I first stumbled across vacation rentals quite by accident what an incredibly delightful accident it has turned out to be!
If youre a full service traveler, forget about it! However, if youre looking for great destinations for corporate retreats a family reunion traveling with children want to do some cooking instead of eating out all of the time are looking for all the comforts of home away from home vacation rentals could be your new best friends!
The pluses of vacation rentals are endless. The people that seek them out seem to have their own little club almost like a fraternity or sorority. You get the keys to the house (or condo, cabin on the lake, even a penthouse) and, along with the keys come all the freedom that you could want and fantastic amenities that you cant find in hotels! Yes, all of this and usually at rates that are less expensive than a hotel room.
A few basic house rules come with a vacation rental that are usually common courtesy and minor common sense responsibilities.
Heres what not to expect in a vacation rental:
Dont expect to be greeted you have the keys open the door!
Dont expect maid service when you walk through the door, its yours!
Dont expect anyone to pick up after you
Dont expect someone to take out the trash
The good fairy will not load and unload the dishwasher
Most of the time, there will be a washer and dryer no, its not a laundry service!
Refrigerator? Sure oh, the grocery store is down the street and around the corner
Meals? Absolutely great stove or outdoor grill is waiting for you!
Do expect
Truly a home away from home (many times better than home)!
A house an oceanfront condo a cabin on the lake a penthouse suite a cozy, private guest cottage, a romantic, private getaway you name it!
Complimentary extras like Cable TV, WIFI, DVD players
Fully equipped kitchens
Most of the time a washer/dryer
Parking is often in the driveway, reserved or very close
Usually a barbeque grill is available
No curfews noise consideration is a virtue!
You dont have to get dressed and go out for breakfast!
Coffee in your pjs on the porch, balcony or Lanai!
Pay attention to the maybes of vacation rentals
Be sure to ask if linens and towels are furnished. Most vacation rentals do furnish them but you have to bring your own sometimes. When I have to bring my own, I keep looking!
If its an ocean destination beach towels may be provided and there might even be sand toys, boogie boards and beach chairs! Some vacation rental owners are very thoughtful in trying to make your getaway experience as memorable and hassle free for traveling as possible.
A cleaning fee is usually an add on with the fee range depending on the exclusive location of the property as well as the size of the rental and sometimes the number in your party. Theres a big difference in cleaning after 20 have been staying as opposed to six!
Many owners and their representatives work very personally with their clients and are truly interested in what theyre looking for what a concept! Youre not just another rental! Dont be offended if these destination experts dont quote rates online theyre genuinely interested in your needs so pick up the phone and give them a call!
When you find these diamonds in the rough, they tend to bundle the rental fee, all taxes, fees and cleaning fees in a bottom line quote for you. Sometimes that number is negotiable bottom line, dont be afraid to ask about the bottom line!
Do remember that in a vacation rental, breakfast is not served and the coffee is not brewed when you open your eyes unless you set the timer on the coffee pot before you go to bed!
Be sure to check the House Rules as they vary. Some owners request that all of the beds be stripped before your departure as well as all towels be washed and left in the dryer. Most House Rules are very reasonable and a little kind consideration goes a long way on behalf of you, the guest. Common courtesy also makes your stay more pleasant. For instance, dont stack up a weeks worth of trash in the tropics in the middle of the kitchen floor and then call the owner complaining that there are ants and bugs everywhere. Use your head!
Check-in and check-out times are usually fairly set, again it never hurts to ask if you have special circumstances. If you have not made specific arrangements and check out time is 11 a.m., I suggest you either be out the door or walking out the door. Keep in mind, this isnt a hotel and the cleaning people dont have 50 rooms to clean and can circle back to you on your time schedule. More than likely someone else is checking into the vacation rental that afternoon so expect the cleaning crew to show up at about 11:01 a.m.!
If you havent experienced vacation rentals do give them a try a bit of caution vacation rentals can be addictive! A delightful addiction!
